One Day in Edinburgh

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Information from Historic Scotland.

No trip to Scotland would be complete without a stop at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock. First erected in the 12th century, the fortress sits on top of an extinct volcano and is the most breathtaking part of the city's skyline. Within the castle walls you see impressive views of most of the New Town, including the Princes Street Gardens, Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags, the famous Balmoral Hotel and more. You can also explore the various rooms, chapels and compartments of the fortress and through interactive displays discover what living and working there might have been like during the medieval era.

The highlight of any tour of the castle is the Honours of Scotland (the crown jewels), on display in the Crown Room of the castle's Royal Palace (built in 1617). These include the ancient crown, sword and scepter, which date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Here you can also see Scotland's most prized treasure: The Stone of Destiny, otherwise known as the Coronation Stone. This has been used in the crowning of Scottish and English monarchs (much to dismay of many Scottish nationalists) for hundreds of years.

Be sure to arrive...

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Dine with a beautiful view in the roomy Wee Windaes Restaurant. Take your appetite on a joyride with the delectable Scottish dishes which they have in store for you. Try the foie gras or wild deer as starters and move onto a generous helping of salmon fillet and highland smoked platter which includes duck, trout and venison. Finish off with lovely desserts or drinks-you're sure to be satisfied! This family-run restaurant also has a side room for those who crave privacy and is available for large groups too. So, what are you waiting for? Go on, dig in!

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The National Gallery of Scotland is housed in a striking neoclassical building situated at one end of Princes Street Gardens. With works by Da Vinci and Van Gogh represented within the National Gallery of Scotland's collection this is an essential part of any tour to Edinburgh city. Temporary exhibitions are frequent here and tickets can be booked in advance from the website.

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Join Mercat Tours on a journey through the dark narrow closes of the Old Town of Edinburgh and prepare to be terrified by tales of the City's ghostly and gory past. Descend into the Vaults beneath the South Bridge and hear stories of those who once occupied these dark chambers and perhaps still do… Tours run from noon till midnight and tickets can be bought online, at the Mercat Tours office, or at the Mercat Cross in the Royal Mile.